2025 was a huge year for the organisation as we continued our work on positively influencing key strategic priorities including education, standards, compliance and sustainability.

Our continued leadership of the Fitted Interiors Competency Framework Working Group will define the roles and responsibilities of professional tradespeople within the sector for generations to come, enabling industry newcomers to understand their responsibilities during their early career and for clarity for the existing workforce as they continue widening the professionalism gap between them and those opportunists that operate within the industry.

In January, following extensive development, we introduced AI to our operations to increase efficiency to our stakeholders. Simultaneously, BIFIS issued a warning to government that a balanced approach was necessary when considering AI within our industry to ensure equal focus was made to address the global skills crisis.

Our Annual Awards 2025 was held in Westminster in February to celebrate the sector’s achievements, placing recognition at the forefront of our effort to attract and retain great people. BIFIS CEO Damian Walters published a reaction to the government’s review of the construction sector, issuing a stark warning and citing a need for intervention following failures in workforce investment. The Installer, the official magazine for the institute, reached its own milestone, publishing its 40th edition.

In March, CEO Damian Walters was invited to speak at the NKBA Conference in the US, continuing our global collaboration with the American market. We struck an alliance with the
UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), driving important safety messages to an industry that suffers unacceptable levels of fatalities as a direct result of exposure to asbestos. Later that month, we strengthened our Strategic Advisory Board as respected industry leader, Billy Quinn, joined the board, followed by Mark Conacher (installation business leader), Hayley Robinson (prominent KBB designer) and Simon Acres (SAG). We also attended Trustmark’s Research event at The House of Lords following their research programme into industry skills.

Our work with The Ministry of Defence grew, as we continued our strategic partnership with the Armed Forces in April, supporting those leaving service to integrate back into careers within the fitted interiors sector.

In May we announced an historic name change that would take effect in the Autumn, at the same time confirming that Calvin Bailey MBE MP became the organisation’s Patron and our direct link into government. We also welcomed government changes that would be set to revolutionise apprenticeships here in the UK.

June was a busy month. We were back at Parliament as we welcomed the first wave of AiM certified retailers, following their accreditation - an incredible achievement set to change the future of risk management within the sector. We also published our installer research which revealed a widening skills gap, further demonstrating the need for work in this area. We welcomed hib. as an advocate, adding to an impressive portfolio of brands working with us. Later in June, we were centre stage at InstallerSHOW25, when we invited guests from across the industry into our purpose-built studio to join the conversation. We also made a huge announcement confirming an exciting collaboration with the show event organisers that will bring the BIFIS Awards and Annual Conference to InstallerSHOW26.

Three new Retail Partners joined us in July; Harrison James (Shropshire), Christian Andrews (Glasgow) and Roundhouse (London) – signifying the organisation’s growth in working with independent retailers. Our strong partnership with Charlton Athletic Community Trust and the University of Greenwich continued as the school’s outreach programme expanded, introducing hundreds of school leavers to opportunities within the fitted interiors sector.

In August we announced the Autumn launch of the Fitted Interiors Skills Hub – a new online portal that will become the industry’s place for training and development opportunities.

Final preparations were underway in September for the imminent name change as we helped our stakeholders to embed partnership assets within their respective businesses. We also published important research into sector complaints, helping the industry to take a proactive approach to customer service. September was a record-breaking month for new registration applications – as we welcomed over 100 new members.

October was a historic month. The British Institute of KBB Installation (BiKBBI) became The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS). A huge undertaking for a small team, but one that expands our reach and increases possibilities for continued growth. We provided our members with guidance on changes to HMRC and the digitalisation of tax and new GOV.UK requirements for online ID verification. Another new retail partner joins in the form of Signature Projects (Sussex).

In November, the newly named BIFIS re-signs the Armed Forces Covenant, confirming its continued work with the Ministry of Defence. BIFIS CEO, Damian Walters, also responded to the Autumn Budget, joining other industry leaders in condemnation of the announcements that would negatively affect small businesses.

December is never a quiet time for BIFIS and this year was no different. The work continues! Damian Walters attended the KBB Futures Round Table event, whereby industry leaders discussed hot topics with collaboration in mind. We welcomed our latest retail partner in the form of Bluebell Kitchens (Northamptonshire) and we announced a new partnership with M&L Healthcare, providing our members with access to critical illness and income protection insurance products. We re-launched a new and improved our mobile app, providing our registered businesses with instant access to a wide range of tools and information to help their business.

Take a look at our Insights Page for individual news stories.